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OPINION

Desert Sun letter: Jewish Federation condemns hate

Reader submissions
Published 4:15 p.m. PT Aug. 14, 2017

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Palm Springs resident Eileen Stern holds a sign with a photo of Heather Heyer, who was killed at a rally in Charlottesville, Virginia Saturday.(Photo: Corinne Kennedy/The Desert Sun)Buy Photo

The Jewish Federation of the Desert condemns the violent, racist, anti-Semitic, and hate-filled “Unite the Right” rally by white nationalist groups in Charlottesville, Virginia, on Saturday.

We express heartfelt condolences to the three families of those who died needlessly due to this rally.

In moments like these, it’s critical that our political leaders speak in a clear voice opposing hatred and we applaud those Democrats and Republicans that have already spoken out on this issue. What our leaders do and say sets the parameters for the rest of society.

There is no comparison between the protesters, who brought hate and violence to the streets of one of the symbolic birthplaces of American democracy, and the counter protesters.

We stand with people of good will from all walks of life who are speaking out against hate. Our Federation partners with ADL, (Anti-Defamation League), JCRC, (Jewish Community Relations Councils) and SCN (Secure Community Network), IAN, (Israel Action Network) who work tirelessly to build tolerance and civility and to maintain friendships with diverse partners across the country.

We believe that we must continue to work toward a more just and equitable society.

Recently we have seen replays of interviews with Donald Trump, one dating back to
1999, where he talked about the use of nuclear weapons.

Intelligence briefers have reported that following his election, Trump asked several times about the use of nukes.

Regardless of political persuasion, reasonable people must acknowledge that Trump
has a scary fixation with the use of nuclear weapons. Americans from both parties
should be concerned.

It is bad enough that we have a President that is clearly volatile and unstable – but to have one that treats the “nuclear football” as just another shiny object is horrifying.

Irresponsible and reckless language like “Fire and Fury” and “Lock and Load” makes Donald Trump our greatest national security threat.

Let’s not forget that Trump’s support is waning and he has shown that he is willing to do anything to gain support and praise, including starting a war.

The rhetoric coming out of Pyongyang has not changed for decades. What is different
this time, however, is that the “madman” that Richard Nixon spoke of during Vietnam is actually now living at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue in our nation’s Capitol.

George Hill, Indio

Re-purpose stalled project

Why not turn the site of the stalled Andaz Hotel between North Palm Canyon Drive and North Indian Canyon Drive, south of East Alejo Road, into a park? A local philanthropist might be willing to fund such a project.

Many of us liked the open space prior to the ugly walls and exposed rebar that reside there now. This would be a nice balance to the larger development south of there, and would complement the other newly created park by The Rowan Hotel.

Perhaps the city could host a design competition for ideas. I envision some of the columns that are safe being turned into landscape art, covered with vines and lights. Perhaps a small cafe could be built on the site, too.